The Bisexual & Pansexual Reading List
Bisexual is an umbrella term that means that a person is attracted to two or more genders, which may include all genders.
Bisexuality advocacy took off in San Francisco in the 1970s thanks to the work of Maggi Rubenstein and David Lourea, who went on to be co-founders of The Bisexual Center. The Bisexual Center still exists today, and helped to advocate for adding the B to GLBT during the 80s and 90s.
Flag caption
Pansexuality is an often-compared orientation meaning sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction towards people of any gender.
While there is overlap with bisexuality (both orientations may mean an attraction to all genders), there are some differences. The pansexual community considers itself distinct, and pansexual is one of few MOGAI terms that continues to be used often, especially online. (See the introductory page for more about MOGAI.)
GLAAD, The Bisexual Resource Center, and Still Bisexual acknowledge Sept. 16-23 as Bisexual Awareness Week, culminating in Sept. 23 as Celebrate Bisexuality Day.
International Pansexual and Panromantic Visibility Day is on May 24.
Adult Fiction
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing
by Hank Green
Vlogbrother Hank Green’s sense of humor bleeds onto the page in this thrilling sci-fi adventure, featuring bisexual protagonist April May.
A Dowry of Blood
by S.T. Gibson
A gothic fantasy featuring the complicated relationships of Constanta, Dracula's first wife, and his other brides. Highly recommended for those who love creative language, as it is deep in gorgeous prose.
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
by Stieg Larsson
This international bestseller is well-received as positive bi representation with protagonist Lisbeth Salander, a hacker in Sweden battling against an unjust world. (TW: sexual assault, eating disorders)
The Pairing
by Casey McQuiston
Two bisexual exes are stuck on a grand tour of some of the best food, wine, and sights to be had across Europe. Theo and Kit spend these weeks relearning each other and realize they never completely stopped loving each other. At times, they can be frustrating and chaotic but also vulnerable and caring. A 400-page count means both their physical and emotional connection are meaningfully explored. It gets VERY steamy — often showing ways of intimacy that are lacking in the romance genre.
Adult Nonfiction
Greedy: Notes From a Bisexual Who Wants Too Much
by Jen Winston
placeholder
Bisexual Men Exist: a Handbook for Bisexual, Pansexual, and M-spec Men
by Vaneet Mehta
placeholder
Bi: the Hidden Culture, History, and Science of Bisexuality
by Julia Shaw
placeholder
Teen & Kids
This Is Why They Hate Us
by Aaron H. Aceves
Explore this teen romance full of humor and heartache as protag Enrique Luna tries to overcome his crush by…trying to crush on a lot of other people!
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard (Series)
by Rick Riordan
A trilogy of modern Fantasy novels in the world of Percy Jackson and the Kane siblings, Magnus Chase follows the titular character as he learns about his Norse god parentage, the weapon of his birthright, and the giants who threaten the gods and mortals alike. Representation: Magnus is pan with a gender fluid partner. There is also representation with a deaf character and a Muslim character. Trigger warnings: death, animal death, past death of parent, homelessness, Islamophobia, and violence.
The Trouble With Robots (Series)
by Michelle Mohrweis
A heartfelt selection for STEAM, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent readers, The Trouble With Robots follows its two protagonist; Eighth-graders Evelyn and Allie. Evelyn is the leader of her robotics team who's need for perfection is starting to wear on her teammates. Allie is the new kid and has a history of short circuiting on teachers and other students. So when Allie is put on the robotics team as a last resort, all Evelyn can see is another problem on her path to victory. While Allie works through grief and learns to open up, she discovers that her new teammates have a lot to offer - if only Evelyn allowed them to participate in their own ways. Can Evelyn learn to listen? Or will they loose their spot in the competition and Allies last chance at redemption?
The Bi Book
by A.J. Irving
Picture book for 4-8 year olds. Many words that start with 'bi' mean two. Bicycle. Bilingual. Binoculars. Biracial. Sometimes, it can mean more than two. Like when it comes to people who identify as 'bi.' Because some hearts love in a rainbow of ways. This sweet, bold picture book is a gentle introduction to bisexual identity, by way of many different words that share the root 'bi,' that will become a staple for LGBTQ+ readers, parents, and educators for years to come. Representation: Bisexuality, mixed race families.